When you arrive at the airport in the UK or Ireland to begin your studies, you’ll need to go through several steps as part of the immigration procedure.
Here’s what you can expect at the airport for each country:
1. United Kingdom 🇬🇧
At the Airport ✈️:
- Arrival and Disembarkation
- Upon arrival, follow the signs for immigration control.
- If your flight is direct from a country outside the UK, you will proceed directly to immigration.
- Immigration Control :
- Queue: Join the queue for non-EU/EEA nationals unless you are using the eGates (available for certain nationalities with a biometric passport).
- Documents: Present your passport, Student visa (in your passport or as an electronic visa), and your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter.
- Questions: The immigration officer may ask questions about your course, accommodation, and financial means to support yourself during your studies.
- BRP Collection Letter: If you have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) collection letter, keep it handy as the officer may ask to see it.
- Health Declaration:
- Depending on current health guidelines (e.g., related to COVID-19), you might need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result.
- Customs :
- After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs.
- Customs Channels: Choose the correct customs channel based on whether you have goods to declare. Green for nothing to declare, red if you have something to declare.
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Collection :
- If applicable, you will need to collect your BRP within 10 days of arrival. This can usually be done at a designated post office.
2. Ireland 🇮🇪
At the Airport 💺
- Arrival and Disembarkation
- After landing, follow the signs for immigration control.
- Immigration Control
- Queue: Join the non-EU/EEA queue unless otherwise directed.
- Documents: Present your passport, Student visa (if required), offer letter from the educational institution, and proof of funds.
- Questions: The immigration officer may ask questions regarding your studies, accommodation, and financial support.
- GNIB Appointment: The officer will stamp your passport and may instruct you to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) for a residence permit.
- Health Declaration
- Similar to the UK, you might need to show health-related documents depending on current guidelines.
- Customs :
- Proceed through customs, choosing the appropriate channel based on whether you have goods to declare.
- GNIB Registration :
- After arrival, register with the GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) to get your Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
Tips 💡
- Documents: Keep all important documents easily accessible, such as your visa approval, offer letter, proof of accommodation, and financial statements.
- Emergency Contacts: Have emergency contact details, including those of your institution’s international office.
Rules that Apply in both the Countries:
- Be Polite and Honest: Answer the immigration officer’s questions clearly and truthfully.
- Don’t Panic: If you are missing a document or have any issues, politely explain your situation to the officer. They are usually there to help.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with student rights in the UK or Ireland in case you need to discuss any concerns with the authorities.
This should give you a clear understanding of what to expect at the airport during the immigration process when you arrive in the UK or Ireland for your studies. Safe travels!
